Deuteronomy 5:1 - Moshe gathers Israel for Torah

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַחֻקִּים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי דֹּבֵר בְּאָזְנֵיכֶם הַיּוֹם וּלְמַדְתֶּם אֹתָם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם לַעֲשֹׂתָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe called all Yisra᾽el, and said to them, Hear, O Yisra᾽el, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that you may learn them, and keep, and do them.

Transliteration

Va'yikra Moshe el kol Yisra'el va'yomer aleihem shema Yisra'el et ha'chukim ve'et ha'mishpatim asher anochi dover be'ozneichem ha'yom u'lemadetem otam u'shemartem la'asotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֣א מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶל־כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם שְׁמַ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֣ים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י דֹּבֵ֥ר בְּאׇזְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם אֹתָ֔ם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and Significance of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 5:1) marks the beginning of Moshe Rabbeinu's restatement of the Torah's laws to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Israel—men, women, and children—to emphasize the collective responsibility of the nation in accepting and upholding the Torah. The phrase "שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("Hear, O Israel") echoes the Shema, underscoring the centrality of Torah study and mitzvah observance in Jewish life.

The Dual Command: Learning and Observing

The verse emphasizes both learning ("וּלְמַדְתֶּם") and doing ("וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם לַעֲשֹׂתָם"). Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) teaches that Torah study is not merely an intellectual pursuit but must lead to action. The Sifrei (Devarim 41) notes that "learning" here refers to deep understanding, while "keeping" implies safeguarding the mitzvot from neglect or distortion.

Statutes (חֻקִּים) and Judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים)

Chukim (Statutes): Rashi defines these as mitzvot whose reasons are not revealed, such as kashrut or sha'atnez. Their observance demonstrates pure obedience to Hashem's will (Yoma 67b).
Mishpatim (Judgments): These are logical laws, like civil justice or ethical conduct, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command (Ramban on Devarim 6:20).

The Urgency of "הַיּוֹם" ("This Day")

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that "הַיּוֹם" teaches each generation to receive the Torah as if it were given anew at that moment. The Seforno adds that this phrasing reminds us that Torah must be approached with fresh enthusiasm daily, not as a burdensome inheritance.

Collective Responsibility

The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) derives from "וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל" the principle of areivut—all Jews are guarantors for one another in mitzvah observance. The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) expands that this unity is essential for the Torah's continuity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13b

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the recitation of the Shema, emphasizing the importance of hearing and internalizing the commandments.

📖 Sotah 32a

The verse is cited in the context of the obligation to study and teach the Torah, highlighting the communal responsibility to learn and observe the commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Hear, O Israel' mean in Deuteronomy 5:1?
A: The phrase 'Hear, O Israel' (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a call to attention, emphasizing that the Jewish people must listen carefully to the Torah's laws. Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Israel to ensure everyone heard the mitzvot directly, showing their importance for all generations.

Q: Why does Moshe mention both 'statutes' (חֻקִּים) and 'judgments' (מִשְׁפָּטִים)?
A: The 'statutes' (חֻקִּים) refer to mitzvot whose reasons are not easily understood (e.g., kashrut), while 'judgments' (מִשְׁפָּטִים) are logical laws (e.g., justice). Rambam teaches that both categories require equal commitment, as they are divine commandments.

Q: What does 'learn them, keep them, and do them' teach us?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 40b) explains the order: first, one must 'learn' Torah thoroughly; then 'keep' the mitzvot by avoiding violations; finally, 'do' them actively. This progression highlights Torah study as the foundation for proper observance.

Q: Why did Moshe gather all of Israel to hear these words?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) states that Moshe assembled everyone to emphasize unity in accepting the Torah. Just as the Torah was given collectively at Sinai, its teachings must be reaffirmed together, binding all Jews to its commandments.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that this verse obligates every Jew in every generation to personally accept the Torah anew. By studying and observing mitzvot daily, we fulfill Moshe's call to 'hear, learn, and do'—just as our ancestors did.